CAMDEN police launched an appeal today to track down a thug who assaulted a man in an attempted robbery on the N29 bus.

The violent thief targeted a 23-year-old man who got on the bus at Tottenham Court Road at around 4.10am on Sunday, 23 January.

The suspect, described as a white man aged 27 - 35, got on at the same stop and took the seat next to the victim.

As the victim began to fall asleep, the robber tried to slip his hand in his pocket to snatch his wallet.

Realising what the suspect was trying to do, the man shouted for the bus to be stopped.

The vehicle halted on Hampstead Road, at which point the attacker hit the victim in the face and ran off the bus.

The victim gave chase, but he sustained serious facial injuries requiring hospital treatment when the pickpocket turned on him again.

Detective Constable Raj Thamoderam, said: “I am very keen to hear from anyone who was on the bus and witnessed the incident, particularly an individual who handed property, which had been found on the bus, to the bus driver.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call Camden Police on 0300 123 1212, or call Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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